What wine goes with sushi?
Riesling (off-dry)
Grappi pairing score: how well the match works, on a 100-point scale. Grappi's own assessment.
The best wines for sushi
Riesling
White (off-dry)
Bright acidity plus a hint of sweetness tames salty soy and spicy wasabi without overpowering the fish.
Grüner Veltliner
White
Zesty, lightly peppery and bone-dry, a clean foil for nigiri and sashimi.
Champagne / sparkling
Sparkling
Fine bubbles and high acid refresh the palate between pieces, a classic treat with sushi.
Why it works
Sushi is a balancing act of salty (soy), spicy (wasabi), sharp (pickled ginger) and delicate (raw fish and vinegared rice). A big, oaky or tannic wine will steamroll all of it. What works is a light, high-acid white, ideally with a touch of residual sugar to counter the salt and heat. That is why off-dry Riesling is a sommelier favourite here, and why most dry, aromatic whites and quality sparkling wines do the job too.
Serving tips
- Avoid heavy reds and oaky whites, the tannin and oak clash with raw fish and soy.
- Serve well-chilled (7–9°C) to keep the wine crisp against the cold fish.
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